30 Seconds Equals 4 Million Dollars

Column by Michael Norton

Photo

By Michael Norton

Posted
1/6/12

I read last week that the Super Bowl ads are completely sold out
for this year, and they have been sold out since October. Companies
looking to leverage this year's big event paid $3.5 million for a
30-second commercial, with some paying as much as $4 million.

Either some really smart people are working for these companies,
or some executives are willing to take a huge risk that a 30-second
spot will attract consumers to their products. Is the research and
data really that supportive of the investment? Could this be one of
those talked about indicators that the economy is starting to come
back? Let that sink in for a minute ... $4 million for a 30-second
commercial.

How much is 30 seconds of your time worth? I don't mean based on
your hourly income or annualized income, but how much is your
personal time really worth? No one can put a price on time, with
the exception apparently of the Super Bowl.

What if you could find several blocks of 30 seconds in each day?
What if you could spend 30 seconds calling, texting or emailing
your spouse or child? I'll bet that a 30-second commercial from
you, letting someone know just how special they are or how much you
love them would make them feel like a million bucks and maybe even
much more than $4 million.

With our 30-second commercial, we could choose to be sincere and
dramatic, or we could be silly and funny just like some of the ads
we have watched over the years during the Super Bowl.

In 30 seconds maybe we can help connect two people that may be
able to fall in love, or do business together. Perhaps we can give
a referral to one of our favorite local stores, restaurants or
doctor's offices. It would not cost that business or practice a
dime, but the gratitude and appreciation would be tremendous and
feel awesome.

Given 30 seconds, we can choose to make a difference in
someone's life. How many stories have we heard or seen where a
person leaps to heroic action to save someone from a frozen river
or pond, or races into a burning building to rescue someone trapped
inside? Talk to the survivors and ask them if they believe that 30
seconds of bravery was worth more than $4 million. You already know
the answer don't you?

The business of the Super Bowl is just that, it's business.
Companies have paid millions and they will continue to pay millions
in attempt to gain the love and loyalty of the consumer. The good
news is that 30 seconds of our time could have an even greater
impact on the world, and each person or business we choose to share
our time with will feel like it was the best 30-second commercial
they ever experienced. Try it and check out what your ratings look
like on the love and loyalty meter.

Thanks again for all of the emails. I would love to hear what
your 30-second commercial might sound like at gotonorton@gmail.com, and I hope
that you will make it a better than good week.